“In general, if we have to assess how the [deposit system] has been implemented in Latvia, I would really value it positively, because the system has been operating from the first day without any serious disruption,” said the head of VVD, acknowledging that the system's weak spot from the beginning was small traders who still have problems providing the service.
She said the motivational factor to returning packaging to the system is deposit fees — 10 cents per unit. “Polls show that for half the population, the recovery of 10 cents is essential to participate in the system and return this pack. Quite a large proportion – over 40% – say they have important environmental objectives,” said Baklāne-Ansberga.
Šodien, 1. februārī, aprit gads kopš Latvijā darbību uzsākusi depozīta sistēma. 🌱
— Depozīta punkts (@depozitapunkts) February 1, 2023
🤓 Vai zināji, ka pirmā gada laikā depozīta sistēmā nodots ceturtdaļmiljards (!) tukšo iepakojumu?
🔎 Ar šo un citiem faktiem iepazīsties mūsu apkopojumā: https://t.co/P0hgxh5b13 pic.twitter.com/himwcDXDIK
According to her, the return rates of packages are good enough. “In recent months, they have stabilized around 80%,” said the head of the VVD.
According to the data of the last 11 months, on average, 130 units per resident have been returned, which is a “shockingly large volume”, but this year the volume could be even higher. This is also due to the fact that syrups and various types of alcoholic cocktail packaging can be deposited.
